Ala. tax burden lowest among 50 states

Montgomery, AL – (AP) - Alabama residents and companies paidless in taxes than people and businesses in any other state in the2007 fiscal year, based on total state and local taxes paid perresident. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that among the 50 states,Alabama had the third-lowest average state and local taxcollections per person as a percentage of personal income. Eventaking into account that incomes in Alabama were lower than in mostof the country, people and companies here had a relatively low taxburden. Gov. Bob Riley says relatively low taxes help attract businessesand retirees to the state. But teachers' lobbyist Paul Hubbert said Alabama's relativelylow taxes also limit governments' ability to provide good schools,roads and other services. --- Information from: The Birmingham News,http://www.al.com/birminghamnews